Earlier this season, when the Montreal Canadiens placed Samuel Blais on waivers, they anticipated the possibility of losing him to another team. True to expectations, the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed him. However, as Toronto’s injured players started returning, they waived Blais, allowing Montreal, the only team to make a claim, to assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
Given Montreal’s current injury challenges, it wouldn’t be surprising if Blais is recalled soon, with a younger player sent back to the AHL for further development. While Blais has already reached his peak potential, younger players like Jared Davidson still benefit significantly from time in the AHL. Davidson had a strong start to the season, tallying nine goals and two assists in 13 games, earning a call-up. Yet, he struggled in the last two NHL games, playing just over five minutes against the Utah Mammoths, indicating he would benefit more from further development under Laval’s coach Pascal Vincent.
If the Canadiens decide to carry 13 forwards when they return home, Florian Szekaj will need to stay sharp, especially in key games against teams like the Ottawa Senators. Szekaj has contributed positively with one point in four games and seven penalty minutes, adding fresh energy and physicality. Meanwhile, in his Laval debut, Blais scored twice, including the game-tying and shootout-winning goals in a 5-4 win over Lehigh Valley.
Should coach Hughes opt for just 12 forwards, Blais might become a viable option due to the current injuries to key players like Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook. In a fully healthy roster, Blais ranks as the 13th forward, but with these absences, he could finally get his first NHL game against the Canadiens—the very team that bypassed him initially.
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Fan Take: This roster shuffle highlights the delicate balance NHL teams face between developing young talent and managing injuries. Fans should keep an eye on players like Samuel Blais and Jared Davidson, as their growth and performance could significantly impact the Canadiens’ depth and success in upcoming games.
